How to moisturize dry skin: the basics of caring for dehydrated epidermis

Category: Face

The skin around your eyes is very fragile. Without proper care, it becomes dry. However, improper care is not the only culprit. Pollution, heavy eye makeup, caffeine, poor sleep and a bunch of other factors overload your eyes and make them look dull, tired and dry.

Plus, since the skin around your eyes is delicate, you can't easily hide signs of neglect. Don't worry. Here's an arsenal of natural and simple home remedies that can help deal with dry skin around the eyes.

• Causes of dry skin around the eyes
• 15 Home Remedies for Dry Eye Skin
• Tips to prevent dry skin around the eyes
• What to eat and what foods to avoid to treat dry skin around the eyes?
• Can allergies cause dry skin around the eyes?

Signs of skin dehydration

Competent facial care includes several stages, each of which performs its own functions. There is a fairly common misconception that only those who have really dry epidermis need to moisturize their skin additionally. In fact, everyone needs moisture, as it protects against premature aging and gives the face a healthy appearance.

You can understand that it’s time for you to moisturize your skin more actively by the following signs:

• thinning of the epidermis;
• dull, unhealthy tone;
• peeling;
• wrinkles;
• flabbiness;
• changing facial contours.

Causes of dry skin

Usually the question of how to moisturize dry facial skin arises for several reasons:

• Age.
  At the age of 25, metabolic processes in the human body begin to proceed more slowly than before. Epidermal cells synthesize fewer substances that allow them to retain moisture. Such important substances include hyaluronic acid and collagen.
• Diet.
  Frequent consumption of junk food, insufficient content of vegetables and fruits in the diet, and fluids lead to dehydration of the skin and the body as a whole.
• Dry and hot air.
  Most often, problems associated with too dry air occur in winter. After all, heating appliances make rooms not only warm, but also dry.

Recommended reading:

• Types of eyelash extensions: techniques, length, curl, effect
• What not to do after eyelash extensions
• Eyelash care: advice from professionals

• Ecological situation.
  The high content of chemicals in the air, exhaust gases and dust disrupt metabolic processes in the skin, clogging its pores.
• Stress, lack of sleep.
  Lack of sleep and nervous tension negatively affect the condition of the entire body, including traces of them appearing on the skin.
• Mistakes when leaving.
  Cosmetics may not be suitable for your skin type, and low-quality decorative cosmetics can cause dryness of the epidermis.
• Hormonal imbalances.
  Problems with hormones lead to disruptions in metabolic processes, causing an increase in fat content or, conversely, dehydration of the skin.
• Diseases of the liver, kidneys, endocrine system.
• Dry skin is often a trait that is inherited.

Conclusion

Lack of care, hydration and nutrition for the skin around the eyes

is the first to suffer. Wrinkles and crow's feet that are difficult to remove quickly appear, the eyes look tired, “bags” form, and due to the thinning of the skin, the wreaths are exposed, creating blue spots. But blue color may indicate that your kidneys are not working properly, and this is a reason to make an appointment with a doctor.

Therefore, you need to start taking care of the skin around your eyes after 25 years. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to correct the negative changes.

And don't forget - everything we eat and drink is reflected on our skin. A healthy diet and good sleep are the best prevention of problems with thin skin around the eyes.

Read also: Honey for facial skin

How to moisturize dry skin

If you want to fully moisturize dry skin, you will have to act in two directions at once, that is, moisturize it from the inside and outside.

1. Internal humidification is based on the following principles:

• Proper nutrition.

The epidermis very accurately reflects the state of the internal organs of a person, especially when it comes to the liver and digestive system. Therefore, with dry skin, it is better to reduce the proportion of pickled and smoked foods in the diet, as well as sausages, chips, other junk food and sweets. Replace them with vegetables, grains, and fruits. It is recommended to consume fermented milk products daily. In addition, a proper diet involves the intake of necessary nutrients and microelements into the body - the most important in this case are zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B, E.

• Drinking regime.

Insufficient water consumption leads to dehydration of the entire body, including the skin. For an adult, the daily norm is about 2 liters of water. But it is worth noting that during physical activity and in the heat, even more fluid is required. If the body does not receive the volume it needs, the activity of many enzymes decreases. And this causes incomplete removal of metabolic products and a decrease in tissue tone.

• Reducing exposure to external factors.

In the summer, the face needs protection from the sun, because its rays make the skin dry, like heating radiators in winter. To moisturize and protect your face, do not forget to apply protective cosmetics and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. In cold weather, the skin must be protected from wind and frost - there are also special creams for this. In order for even dry skin to feel comfortable, indoor air humidity should be at least 40-70%. Use lukewarm or cold water to wash your face - it will also help moisturize your face.

2. External moisturizing.

To effectively moisturize dry skin, you need to use special facial products. The action of such cosmetics is based on two principles. First of all, it is necessary to maintain water balance, for this the following methods are used:

• Formation of a thin surface film that will retain moisture in the cells, preventing its evaporation. This effect is achieved by creams containing vegetable and animal fats.
• The use of products that can restore water balance, which contain collagen, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and proteins.
• Restoring the natural protective barrier of the skin using care cosmetics with ceramides, lipids, and fatty acids.
• Osmotic hydration by treating dry skin with thermal water, which contains essential minerals. The fact is that the latter are capable of redistributing moisture in the epidermis.

According to experts, the listed approaches can be used to moisturize not only dry epidermis; they are suitable for any skin type.

The second principle involves the use of substances related to the human epidermis:

• Hyaluronic acid is indispensable for restoring water balance. It binds water molecules, preventing them from leaving the deep layers of the skin, while activating cell regeneration.
• Chitosan is a substance obtained from the chitinous shell of crustaceans. It is similar in effect to hyaluronic acid, but has a less pronounced effect.
• Silk and milk proteins convert water into a gel, due to which it remains in the integument longer.
• Amino acids and polysaccharides are able to retain moisture in the upper layer of the epidermis for a long time.
• Provitamin B5 allows you to moisturize all layers of dry skin.

In this way, it is possible to normalize the level of moisture in the skin.

Tips to prevent dry skin around the eyes

Drink more water

Drinking water helps maintain the body's moisture balance and prevents dryness.

Avoid sudden movements when washing your face

Always choose hypoallergenic and gentle face washes. Such washes do not strain the skin or dry it out.

Keep the eye area moisturized

Use a good eye cream to moisturize the eye area. Your regular face cream won't work on the delicate eye area. The skin in this area needs special products to stay healthy.

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Because the skin around your eyes is delicate, rubbing too hard or too much can damage the capillaries and make your eyes appear puffy.

Limit sun exposure

The sun's harmful ultraviolet rays can cause fine lines, dryness, and wrinkling in the skin around the eyes. Always apply sunscreen to the area to keep it protected and wear sunglasses when you go out.

Remove makeup every day

If you wear makeup on or around your eyes, be sure to remove it every night before going to bed. In addition, when buying cosmetics, make sure that you are not allergic to it.

Avoid certain ingredients in your products

Avoid applying any products to your skin that contain parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, or fragrances. They often cause skin irritation and can lead to dryness around the eyes.

Avoid scratching around the eyes

If your skin feels itchy and dry, do not scratch it. This may make the condition worse. Apply anti-itch cream or a hot or cold compress to relieve irritation.

Apart from these precautions, you also need to take care of your diet to improve your skin and overall health.

Natural skin moisturizers

How to moisturize very dry skin using natural remedies? Today, many moisturizing cosmetic products contain herbal ingredients.

Help relieve skin from dehydration:

• Olive oil. It is used most often as it contains a large proportion of vitamin E, which is necessary for collagen restoration. In addition, this oil contains linoleic acid, which creates a kind of barrier that allows it to retain moisture.
• Cacao butter. Thanks to this ingredient, flaking is prevented, and the skin does not require additional moisturizing. This effect is achieved due to the fact that saturated fats are quickly absorbed and restore damaged epidermis. And the antioxidants contained in the oil neutralize the effects of UV rays.
• Coconut oil. This product not only moisturizes, but also provides the dermis with really important nutrients. In addition, this oil is not very greasy, which means it can be used for any skin type. The acids it contains retain moisture in the skin, thereby increasing its elasticity. However, it is worth noting that you should not moisturize your face too often with coconut oil, since this product is comedogenic.
• Shea Butter. It contains vitamins A and E, fatty acids and a number of other substances that can moisturize dry skin for a long time. It is important that shea butter can even restore damaged skin.
• Honey. It is able to both moisturize and soften dry skin, penetrating into the deepest layers.
• Banana. This fruit is rich in vitamins and substances that help resist age-related changes and moisturize the face.
• Cream is a good option for nourishing and moisturizing any skin type, including dry skin. Thanks to their use, the skin becomes smoother and healthier.
• Avocado. This is an excellent option for softening the skin and normalizing natural hydration. Avocado contains vitamins that increase the protective properties of the skin, thereby reducing the harmful effects of free radicals.
• Aloe vera. This plant contains a huge amount of nutrients and vitamins. This composition allows you to moisturize dry skin and get rid of flaking.
• Grape seed oil. Deeply moisturizes, provides an antibacterial and sebum-regulating effect, tightens pores, strengthens capillaries.

The special value of the listed products is that they not only help maintain water balance and moisturize, but also enrich dry skin with nutrients, vitamins and microelements.

Why does different skin types dry out?

Despite the fact that there are different types of skin, dehydrated epidermis is not unique to the dry type. Let's consider several possible combinations of skin types:

• Dry and sensitive.

This is an acquired type, which is formed due to disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract and signals allergic reactions and reduced immunity. Moreover, there may be problems of both local and systemic nature.

In this case, it will not be possible to simply moisturize the dry epidermis; to restore the hydrolipid balance, you will have to undergo diagnostics of all the named body systems, and you may need to visit a dermatologist. And after that you can go to a cosmetologist.

You also need to understand that skin sensitivity is inherited. It is usually found in fair-haired and light-eyed people, because these signs indicate reduced melanin production. It is worth explaining that melanin is a pigment based on vitamin D, the amount of which determines the protective functions of the epidermis. To properly care for this type, you need to actively nourish, moisturize your face, and protect it from sun exposure.

• Dry and combined.

Combination skin is often called problematic skin because this type involves a combination of oily, dry and normal areas. Oily areas are usually located in the T-zone, while the forehead, temples, and cheeks can be normal or dry, causing tightness and noticeable flaking.

The combined type is most characteristic of the stage of hormonal changes, that is, it occurs during adolescence, pregnancy and the postpartum period. It does not cause serious problems, since the skin returns to its normal state in about six months. But if active shine on the chin and dry forehead are accompanied by inflammation, comedones, acne, you need to consult a dermatologist, gastroenterologist and endocrinologist.

The best way to moisturize dry skin at home is to use masks. But remember one rule: masks are applied regularly, which is most important in the autumn-winter period. The normal type requires 2-3 treatments per week, while dry dermis needs active assistance every other day for 2-3 months. Masks allow you to improve microcirculation in cells, restore water balance, get rid of small wrinkles and avoid the formation of new ones.

Recipes for masks to moisturize dry skin:

• 3 tbsp. l. chopped oatmeal mixed with half a fresh cucumber and 1 tbsp. l. medium fat sour cream;
• cranberry juice, milk and cottage cheese are combined in equal proportions;
• a mixture of chicken egg yolk and 1 tbsp. l. currant juice is applied to the face until completely dry;
• 1 tbsp. l. brewer's yeast is mixed with milk to the consistency of sour cream;
• any fermented milk product (yogurt, kefir, yogurt) is applied to the face, previously lubricated with any vegetable oil;
• 1 tbsp. l. crushed celery is ground with 1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese;
• melt a bar of dark chocolate, add low-fat cream to obtain a thick mixture, apply warm;
• 1 tbsp. l. potato starch mixed with 1 tbsp. l. cucumber and lemon juice.

Recipes for masks to moisturize normal skin:

• soak white bread crumbs in milk;
• add 1 tsp to the grated apple. honey and 1 tbsp. l. chopped oatmeal;
• Grind a ripe banana with 2 tbsp. l. cream;
• Combine 50 ml of yogurt with 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice and 10 ml avocado oil;
• Mix apricot pulp with 1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese or sour cream.

Masks that will help moisturize oily skin:

• combine mashed medium tomato with 1 tsp. potato starch;
• Beat 2 egg whites with 40 g honey and 1 tsp. olive oil, add 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal;
• mix 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal in milk with 1 tsp. honey;
• mix 3 tbsp. l. yogurt, 1 tsp. honey, juice of half a lemon and egg white;
• Apply sea buckthorn berry juice without any additives.

In order to properly moisturize dry skin, before applying masks, they are thoroughly cleaned, the mask itself is kept for no more than 20-30 minutes, after which it is washed off. For this, it is recommended to use mineral water.

Care products

Comprehensive care, consisting of the use of cosmetics and folk remedies, will help prevent the formation of swelling and dark circles under the eyes, and the skin will become more elastic. When choosing creams and gels, you should pay attention to their composition, which should not contain the following components:

• parabens;
• lanolin;
• various perfume fragrances;
• mineral oils.

The above components often cause the development of an allergic reaction.

Cosmetic

Specialized eyelid skin care products are sold in cosmetics stores. The most universal of them are various creams that can be used at any age. For each age group, manufacturers produce a separate line of products and make a special mark on their products.

It is recommended to buy products only for your age, since early use of age-related products leads to addiction and in the future the body stops responding to the active components. Among the most effective creams it is worth highlighting:

After 25 years, it is recommended to alternate the use of moisturizing creams and gels with a lifting effect. Before reaching this age, you can use only one cosmetic product, but it is advisable to use it regularly. Effective gels for different age groups are produced under the following brands:

Folk

There are many different recipes for masks designed to care for the skin of the eyelids. The easiest remedy to use and prepare is a cucumber mask. Cut a small cucumber into slices and apply them to your eyes for 20 minutes.

Tea bags will help cope with swelling and dark circles. After using them as intended, they should be squeezed out and applied to the eyes for 25 minutes.

Mask recipes

Among the most effective multi-component masks that help get rid of bruises, swelling and smooth out wrinkles, it is worth highlighting:

Oils

Until the age of 25, various oils can be used to care for the skin around the eyes. They brighten the face and reduce dark circles under the eyes. They should be selected based on the type of skin:

Age-related care

In youth, it is enough to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize the face, while in adulthood more active care is required that can fight the formation of wrinkles and stimulate their smoothing.

• Up to 25 years old.

At this stage of life, it is important to properly cleanse, moisturize, nourish and tone the epidermis. In fact, you can do without special procedures, the main thing is to choose the right care products, do peelings and facial massage from time to time.

• After 35 years.

At this time, dehydration of the skin occurs, and the epithelium has to be additionally moisturized. At this point, the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the body begins, which leads to the appearance of the first signs of aging.

By the age of 35, those with oily skin type realize that they are much luckier. The fact is that the sebaceous glands gradually reduce secretion production, which means that constant rashes and shine in the T-zone disappear. This type does not require additional moisturizing of the face, and wrinkles begin to form much later.

Dry type requires comprehensive care, including nutrition, protection, toning and restoration.

Seasonal care for skin dehydration

Depending on the season, facial skin needs special care, so experts have developed seasonal programs to moisturize and protect the skin. However, before you start using one of them, you need to understand your own characteristics, according to which certain tools will be selected. So, how to moisturize very dry skin on your hands and face at different times of the year?

• Autumn.

At this time, you need to take especially careful care of your face. First of all, in the fall it is important to properly moisturize it, because in the summer the epidermis was constantly exposed to the sun. To do this, you can prepare your own masks from natural ingredients.

In October, experts recommend contacting a cosmetologist to undergo procedures with hyaluric acid-based products. Before applying the drug, the face is cleaned with a chilled saline solution with the addition of oxygen. After this, special serums are used and the face is covered in several layers. The purpose of this procedure is to refresh, moisturize and rejuvenate the epidermis.

• Summer and spring.

While it's warm and sunny outside, it's important to properly moisturize your face. To do this, they use both natural remedies and osmotic components to moisturize the epidermis. During the day, you need to wash your face repeatedly with water at room temperature. It is also important to drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day. In the morning, you should avoid active pastime.

Peels, masks and creams should be used in the evening, and during the day your face should be protected with a cream with UV filters and sunscreen. Don't forget to moisturize the area around your eyes. In summer, it is better to use creams with a light gel-like texture.

Modern ways to combat dry eyes

What to do with very dry skin under the eyes

if you don’t have time for folk remedies. The beauty industry today offers mountains of various cosmetics and facial care products.

However, we should not rush here. If you find lanolin in the product, do not use it, it will dry out the eyelid skin even more. Regular moisturizers won't work either.

Attention! Face masks should not be applied to the eyelids, their texture is designed for thicker skin on the face!

Soaps, even “with the addition of cream,” inevitably dry out, and constantly rubbing in moisturizers after each wash will only increase the load on the skin and can cause irritation. For washing, choose special foams.

And try not to leave makeup on overnight - this is direct harm to yourself! Makeup remover milk should be a must-have in your cosmetic bag.

What to do with dry skin around the eyes

Cosmetics manufacturers will tell you. Today they can offer special eye lotions, serums or gels. The latter are especially good for use after 35 years, as they have a tightening effect and act quickly. And the action of the serum is aimed at restoration, which is very important, but makes them more expensive.

Lotions and toners are very convenient and easy to use throughout the day for quick hydration.

Always remember that any product must be chosen in accordance with your age category!

Home Remedies to Moisturize Dry Skin

There are many ways to maintain normal skin moisture balance at home. How to moisturize dry scalp, face, hands? First of all, it must be thoroughly cleaned. When it comes to your face, it is recommended to use a mild cleanser every day. You can exfoliate once a week, since cosmetic products designed to moisturize are better absorbed after removing dead cells.

You can perfectly moisturize your face with thermal water - use it several times a day.

In fact, homemade recipes sometimes work much better than expensive store-bought remedies. Their main advantage is that only natural products are used in the preparation of masks; they do not contain parabens, emulsifiers or fragrances.

Let's discuss the tools that have proven themselves best.

• Yeast.

They are a truly unique product, as they contain a whole complex of microelements necessary for the epidermis. B vitamins activate the process of cell division, making the face look fresh and rested. Amino acids have a positive effect on collagen production, smoothing out facial wrinkles and preventing skin aging. Yeast fungi penetrate deep into the pores, removing accumulated sebum and impurities from them, saturating and nourishing the skin.

To prepare such a wonderful product that can moisturize dry skin, pour freshly squeezed apple or carrot juice over the yeast, stir until smooth, then heat the mixture in a water bath. Cool the resulting mask and apply to a cleansed face for 15–20 minutes.

Or you can use another recipe that will perfectly moisturize your face. A tablespoon of dry yeast is mixed with three tablespoons of olive oil and applied for 20 minutes.

What to eat and what foods to avoid to treat dry skin around the eyes?

Consume Probiotics

They improve the overall condition of your skin. Try incorporating probiotics into your diet, such as fermented foods, yogurt, and sauerkraut.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet helps your body cope with various health and skin conditions. Include fish, eggs, meat, vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your diet. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which help repair damaged skin cells and improve skin quality.

Include essential fatty acids in your diet

Essential fatty acids protect the lipid layer of the skin and prevent it from drying out. This is why it is better to use non-hydrogenated vegetable oils when cooking. Include canola and olive oils in your diet.

Eat foods rich in fiber

Fiber helps flush out toxins from the body that have accumulated due to environmental factors such as dust and pollution. Eat foods such as whole grain bread, corn, beans, apples and Brussels sprouts to meet your daily fiber needs.

Also, try to avoid processed, fried and spicy foods. If your body is healthy from the inside, it shows in your skin.